WWE Hall of Fame Coverage: Class of 2022
April 1, 2022
Dallas, Texas (American Airlines Arena)
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
The stream kicks off with a 15-minute preshow as the WWE Production Team sets up the arena for the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
A video kicks off the show highlighting all the great Hall of Fame moments through the years.
Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton are the hosts for the evening. Just the mere mention of The Undertaker’s name elicits thunderous applause.
Video: The career of The Steiner Brothers
Bron Breakker makes his way to the ring to induct his father, Rick, and his uncle, Scott. Breakker lets out some barks as he makes his way to the podium. WWE Superstars are on the stage looking quite happy. Breakker says growing up in the Steiner family was a little crazy at times, but amidst all the titles they were a great father and uncle to the family. They laid the groundwork for him so he can do what he loves every single day. There’s no Bron Breakker without The Steiner Brothers. Breakker says he’s going to take the biggest risk of his career and turn the microphone over to his Uncle Scott. In his unbiased opinion, this is the greatest tag team of all time. Breakker introduces The Steiner Brothers to the ring.
Rick and Scott Steiner make their way to the ring looking very humbled by the ceremony. Scott in particular takes time to greet WWE Superstars and fans. Rick Steiner gets in the ring and embraces his father before leaving. Scott asks where all of his freaks are in Texas. Giving him a live mic can sometimes be good and sometimes it goes off the rails. Rick covers the microphone immediately to laughs. Scott says they’ve wrestled a lot of great tag teams through their career and he pays tribute to them. They’ve met a lot of great people in wrestling, including “Macho Man” Randy Savage, the first guy they met in 1993 in WWE. They always traveled together and brought Owen Hart along as well. They would wrestle 15 or 20 days a month. One time they were in upstate New York, which is like Iowa. Savage needed them to pull the van over and bet Scott he could make some cows come to him before they come to Scott. Scott details trying to get the cows to come to him, but then he stopped when he thought they were antisocial. Savage somehow got the cows to come to him, and Scott thinks Savage knew the cows. Scott tells the WWE Superstars to whip some ass but have fun. The nights and days are long, but the years go fast. One day they’ll be going into the Hall of Fame and wondering where the time went. Scott talks about how he worked his ass off. They were the best tag team. When he became World Champion, the hard work paid off and it was a great time in his life. The greatest time was when he met and married his life. Scott doesn’t have great marriage secrets, but she’s always right. Even when he’s right, she’s righter. We see his family enjoying themselves. Scott talks about his sons and how much he loves them. Their legacy will last forever, but his greatest legacy is his two boys.
Rick Steiner steps up to the microphone. Rick jokingly thanks his brother for not leaving him any time to speak. Rick never thought they’d make it to the Hall of Fame. They always went out there and did their best. Rick thanks his family for understanding him missing birthdays and holidays. Back at home, he shouts out to Cherokee County Schools and his community. Rick thanks his brother for setting the standard high and bringing out the best in him. It’s the icing on the cake to do it with your brother. Scott kept him in check. Rick thanks his brother and the people for supporting them. Their music plays, and they get a great ovation.
Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton return to talk about WrestleMania and the majesty of it all. Speaking of majesty…
Video: The career of Queen Sharmell
Booker T makes his way to the ring. Booker T talks about inducting multiple people into the WWE Hall of Fame, including his brother. A great writer once said, “When I’m good, I’m good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.” That quote came from Michael P.S. Hayes. It sums up his Queen Sharmell. She’s everything to him. He said in 2013 that he would say “I do” a thousand times. She made him a better man. She gave him two beautiful kids. His most memorable run as King Booker was not about him. It was about Queen Sharmell. That run was spectacular. It’s the most memorable run that he had in WWE. At this moment, he wants everyone to join him in welcoming to the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame, his queen, love, and wife, Queen Sharmell.
Queen Sharmell makes her way to the ring, and the WWE Superstars, including Randy Orton, playfully bow to her. A “You deserve it” chant picks up. She looks emotional. This is the stuff that fairy tales are made of. Her king inducting her is incredible. She thanks the Nitro Girls for getting her going. She thanks Medusa and Molly Holly for helping her, as well as Victoria and Jazz. She thanks Kurt Angle for being in her first angle. She also calls out Rey Mysterio and thanks him. She’s still afraid of The Boogeyman, but she’s grateful to him as well. She puts over all the WWE Superstars she met in her career. She thanks her husband for the run of a lifetime. Booker T embodied the role of a king and made it easy to follow his lead. She loved getting boos from the WWE Universe. She thanks the people behind the scenes, including Johnny Ace and Bruce Prichard. They gave her a chance and look where it led. She’s paying it forward. 17 years ago, they opened a wrestling school. They work tirelessly for their students to make their dreams come true just like hers did. She appreciates her family in Gary, Indiana, and her brother, Ron. His brilliance astounds her. To her mother, her hero, she thanks her for her unwavering support. This moment is as much her mother’s as it is hers. She thanks her children for showing her what unconditional love is. Her son hilariously rolls his eyes. As for Booker T, for 20 years she still is mesmerized by him. Her love for him knows no limits. She thanks the WWE Universe and gives a royal wave. Booker T has tears in his eyes as he poses with his wife.
Video: Shad Gaspard posthumously receives the 2022 Warrior Award
The crowd gives that extraordinarily emotional video a rousing round of applause.
Dana Warrior makes her way to the ring to present the award, named after her late husband, The Ultimate Warrior. Warrior says it would be impossible not to be moved by the nobility and valiant character of the 2022 Warrior Award recipient, Shad Gaspard. He’s the definition of a bonafide hero and warrior. He was respected by his peers and roundly adored by all. Gaspard was a devoted husband and a doting father. Gaspard had a soft side in fatherhood and being a husband. His home fostered beauty, strength, and growth. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do to protect our children and their precious lives. Gaspard faced his whole life with uncharacteristic nobility and when the time came, he gave it all to ensure the life he’d sworn to protect would live to see the future he promised. That’s who Shad Gaspard was and what his legacy will always be. Real warriors don’t do anything for the vision of glory. They do what they do because they could never do otherwise. A true warrior’s north star is always the compass of doing what they know is right. She presents the Warrior Award to Shad Gaspard’s wife and son.
Shad Gaspard’s family makes their way to the ring alongside JTG, Shad Gaspard’s tag team partner in Cryme Tyme. JTG does the Cryme Tyme dance with Shad’s son, Aryeh. Siliana Gaspard thanks WWE. She knows they’re here because of his final act, but that’s how he lived his life every day. He would risk himself for others to ensure their safety. She’s clearly emotional and trying not to break. She checks on her son, Aryeh, to make sure he’s ok.
The crowd chants, “Shad’s a hero,” which delights Aryeh. Siliana says Shad was a real warrior through and through. He made you feel safe not just by his size, but through his gentle side. While they are standing here because of this, it’s Shad’s hard work to make it as a WWE wrestler that has them standing here. Shad was not a hero only on the last day of his human life, but every day he walked the earth. In 2016, he stopped an armed robbery in Coral Gables, Florida. Using his wrestling skills, Shad “kindly” escorted the man to the parking lot and body-slammed him. Shad told her that Jason (JTG) was there and didn’t help. Their dog was taken, but Shad got into a high-speed chase and the dog is at home sleeping. Shad used to tell their son that there are two types of men in the world: wolves and sheepdogs. Shad told Aryeh to always be the sheepdog. The sheepdog knows how to use aggression to protect others, but they’re kind and gentle as well.
Siliana speaks to Aryeh. Aryeh is a sheepdog. The best of Daddy lives in him, and he comes from a great man. She takes a deep breath to compose himself. She tells Aryeh to hold his head up high whenever anyone speaks of his dad because he had a badass dad. Anyone should be so lucky to have a dad like him. Siliana leaves us with a quote that Shad loved: “Women are remembered for what they are, men are remembered for what they do.” Aryeh proudly holds up the Warrior Award on behalf of his father.
Video: The career of Vader
Jesse White, Vader’s son, comes to the ring with his mother, Debra White. They ask the crowd what time it is. It’s VADER TIME! Debra thanks the crowd for all the support they gave to the big guy and he’s looking down with a smile on his face. Jesse thanks the people for putting food on his plate.
When you look at his father’s career, he was a 3-time All-American from Colorado, played in the Super Bowl, had an eye-popping affair in Japan, Boy Meets World, and was a World Champion on four separate continents. His greatest accomplishment was as a father. Vader missed a lot of experiences and probably half of Jesse’s childhood. What he accomplished during that time was more than his friends’ fathers who were there full-time. Vader taught him what a hard day’s work was and never to be afraid of it. If there’s a Hall of Fame for being a father, his dad has been in it for years. They’re getting ready to ask a question and they know the answer. Jesse has the crowd hold up Vees and shout, “IT’S VADER TIME!” Vader’s mastodon mask is unveiled.
Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton talk about how the time has come for the final inductee: The Undertaker. The crowd is buzzing to see the legendary Dead Man.
Video: The career of the legendary Undertaker
The ring has four trenchcoats from various stages of The Undertaker’s career. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is welcomed to the ring to induct his greatest performer, The Undertaker. Even including holidays, tonight is his favorite night of the year. Fans and performers have a chance to say, “Thank you,” to the people that have mightily contributed to the success of WWE and entertained all over the world. They’ve touched our lives for the better. Many of them have left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe and the business itself. All those performers that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the past, no one is more deserving of this honor than the man they’re inducting tonight. The crowd cheers loudly.
For 30 years, this man has performed and traveled thousands of miles. After many surgeries and living with pain, he’s been to hell and back. On the way, he accepted many challenges in the ring. McMahon will list some of the opponents. Some of these opponents include Jimmy Snuka, Giant Gonzalez, Mankind, Jeff Hardy, The Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, John Cena, and The Rock… just to name a few.
There were some challenges outside the ring as well. There was a time they were shooting Shotgun Saturday at night. They shot in various locations, but principally in New York City. They didn’t bother with permits in those days. Imagine being in Penn Station and getting off the train to see The Undertaker and Triple H wrestling. There was another opportunity to be in a cemetery in weather that was described as “flesh freezing rain.” There was another time he was on a WWE float not moving for Thanksgiving. There was another time they were in New York City and a sewer was open spewing steam. They had Undertaker go in the sewer and emerge from it for a great shot. Of course, he did.
Undertaker has an abundance of integrity. He was loyal. Many will remember the Monday Night War. WCW never bothered to call The Undertaker because they knew he’d never answer. This man has never asked for respect, but he commands it based on how he carries himself as a performer and a man. This man leads by example and has set the example. The crowd starts saying, “What,” and McMahon says he’ll have The Undertaker come out and kick their asses. This man is the most revered superstar in WWE history. The greatest quality this inductee brings to the WWE Hall of Fame is love. You cannot accomplish what he’s done in 30 years without the love of his business and the performers past and present. McMahon says, “It is my honor now…” and the crowd leaps to their feet to give The Undertaker a standing ovation. McMahon introduces Mark Calaway, The Undertaker, to take his rightful spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.
“The Undertaker” Mark Calaway makes his way to the ring to a great ovation. Undertaker gets in the ring and embraces Vince McMahon. The microphone picks up Calaway saying, “I love you” to McMahon. Undertaker looks pumped up being there. A thunderous “Thank you, Taker” chant picks up. Calaway looks emotional, something we’ve never seen from him in a WWE ring.
Calaway steps up to the podium and composes himself. He is holding back tears. The applause does not stop. Calaway puts his head down and soaks it in. He picks his head up, and the cheers grow louder. This is an incredible moment. This is an unbelievable sustained reaction for one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, “The Undertaker” Mark Calaway. A booming, “You deserve it” chant picks up. If there was ever an appropriate time for that tired chant, this is the time. This man deserves it. Calaway holds back the tears again. The toll of a 30-year career at its true end tonight is showing on his face, grizzled from age and years on the road. The crowd loudly chants, “Thank you, Taker!” Soon, a “Rest In Peace” chant picks up.
Calaway says, “For the last 30 years, my identity has been ‘Undertaker,’ ‘The Phenom,’ ‘The Dead Man,’ ‘The American Bad Ass,’ and ‘The Taker of Souls.'” Tonight, he’s taking us behind the curtain and meeting the man, Mark Calaway. It could have been easy for him to keep Mark Calaway hidden until the day he died, but he wants to show the same respect they’ve shown to him for so many years. Calaway says he loves this business with all his heart, but it doesn’t come without sacrifice in the form of family, health, and privacy. He wouldn’t be where he is today without all the people that not only helped him in the ring but outside of it. Calaway says his first “thank you” is to the WWE Universe. They are loyal, passionate, and the motivation that he needed on many nights to get off the training room table, work his way down to the ring, push through the pain, and perform. Tonight isn’t just about him; it’s about each and every one of the fans.
He’s going to share something his brother shared with him. It’s 1986. He’s 20 years old in his brother’s living room and he’s staring at the floor. He’s close to graduating from college and is miserable. He didn’t know what to do. Does he graduate? Does he go overseas to try to play pro basketball? The decision seemed impossible. He had promising opportunities to play basketball, but it wasn’t what he wants to do. His heart was already into wrestling. He just started his wrestling training and knew this was what he wanted to do with his life. He also knew his teammates would be disappointed, let alone his parents. His brother David told him that he can’t live his life for what his mom and dad want him to do or what his teammates want. David told him, “You can’t live your life for anyone other than you.” It was at that moment that everything became crystal clear. No matter what it took, he’d become a professional wrestler. Was it glamorous? Not if you like living in your car and busting heads in bars. It was the only way he’d find his true identity. Calaway didn’t want to disappoint his parents, but he couldn’t live his life for what his parents wanted. Calaway needed his own identity, face his failures, take accountability, and did not worry about what other people thought. His dreams led him to become The Undertaker.
They all know his signature moves, but he’s going to reveal some of his mental signature moves. We can’t live our lives for anyone other than ourselves. Hopefully, these will help people find their true identities. Unfortunately, one of the earliest and most significant lessons he learned came from Vince McMahon himself, aka The Boss. They were in Rochester, New York doing TV and he was working a squash match… an enhancement match. Calaway was working with a kid that was more nervous than he could imagine, getting his one shot on TV, and trying to do the best he can. None of that is going through Calaway’s mind as he screws up his signature spots. Calaway admits to roughing him up. When he got to the back, he saw Vince McMahon’s face. McMahon looked him in the eyes and said, “Perception is reality, and the reality is that everyone out there in the arena and everyone here backstage thinks you’re an asshole.” Calaway knew he was right. Most people probably weren’t even born when that match happened, but maybe they formed an opinion of him there. Calaway isn’t proud of what he did that night and he learned the hard way that perception is reality. That became his first mental move. Throughout the rest of his career, he reminded himself that whether in the ring or outside it that his actions matter.
When he thinks of perception, he can’t help but think of Stephanie McMahon. She’s not nearly the brat you think she is… she’s bigger! He’s often thought of Stephanie as the little sister he never wanted, but he’s stuck with her. Calaway says he loves her and her family. Speaking of siblings he never wanted, he didn’t forget about Shane. From driving him and The Godfather around from city to city wearing sunglasses at 2 a.m. and talking about ridiculous bumps, he wore Calaway out.
Speaking of The Godfather (the WWE Hall of Famer is shown hiding his face), he’s referenced in the past the two male influences outside of his father. Godfather is not a positive influence, but he’s an influence nonetheless. They’ve been friends for 30 years and drank gallons of Jack Daniels. They’ve fought each other over hats, watches, and anything you can imagine. The reality is he always knew Godfather had his back.
When he thinks of people having his back, he can’t help but think of the BSK. Undertaker says he’s taking those stories to the grave, but he loves each and every one of them. The late, great Yokozuna was a co-founder of the BSK. They shared many memories inside the ring, but the fondest memories were outside the ropes traveling up and down the road drinking whiskey, and playing dominoes. That would be the beginning of a forever brotherhood.
Undertaker talks about Brian “Crush” Adams, another brother taken too soon. There’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t think about him. Adams was not afraid to rib him, the ultimate coming off a bicep surgery. Adams called him and convinced him to fly to Florida to learn to break bricks with their hands. They slammed their hands into cinderblocks for 7 hours for no apparent reason other than to say they could do it. That would be the last time they’d spend together. A few weeks later, he received one of the worst phone calls of his life that Brian had passed. Calaway never understood why he’d said yes to breaking bricks, but it made sense at that moment.
Paul Bearer was a legitimately licensed mortician. You didn’t think of The Undertaker without Paul Bearer. He was a tremendous friend that loved to play practical jokes on him. He couldn’t leave a drink unattended without having to check it for cucumbers. Who puts cucumbers in a man’s drink? An evil man!
Undertaker mentions his storyline brother, Kane. Glenn Jacobs is shown on stage. Their story stretches two decades as the greatest wrestling story ever told. Glenn is one of the most genuine human beings he knows. Calaway then corrects himself and says Kane insists on being called, “Mr. Mayor.” Calaway jokes that he didn’t get mad when Jacobs stole all his moves. Calaway says he made him a better man.
Speaking of being better, this brings him to his second signature move. This one was learned over a piece of cornbread. He was 25-years-old and had won his first World Title. He was sitting with his parents and eating. His father began to give him a lecture. Calaway’s father asked, “Boy, you paying your taxes?” His father wanted to ensure he was living beneath his means. The toes that you step on the way to the top are the same on the asses he’d have to kiss on the way down. No matter who you cross, treat them with respect. He may be World Champion, but that doesn’t make him any more important than the local security guy or man in catering. You never know what one kind gesture can do for someone. It could change their life or save them.
Someone shouts, “I love you,” and Calaway responds that he loves them back. Respect and loyalty go a long way. Speaking of respect and loyalty, he considered it an extreme honor to step into this ring to perform. Thanks to guys like Dusty, Harley, Andre the Giant, Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart, and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Calaway thanks them for paving the way for his generation and the generations to come. The Undertaker thanks his trainers and Bruce Prichard. He thanks the man who helped make “The Last Ride” documentary. The woman who made all the travel arrangements for him and his family is incredible. Terrie Anderson is behind all the iconic looks of The Undertaker. Calaway thanks his team of doctors who kept him running.
His final and most significant mental move comes into play the day before WrestleMania 25. It’s HBK, the Showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker, and his undefeated streak. They were discussing their match before he asked Michael Hayes when they were on. They were told they were on third and going 15 minutes. This was an insult to them. After a little hell was raised — ok, a lot of hell — they got a few extra minutes and put later in the show. They weren’t on last, but everyone that followed them wished they had. They left it all in the ring. Calaway thanks him for his friendship and one of the best matches of his career.
That experience highlighted his third mental move: never be content. It doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved. Continue to push, go forward, dream big, and strive to move forward. This came into play at WrestleMania 27 and 28. That wasn’t possible without Triple H. It was an honor to share the ring with him. Their chemistry was undeniable. Calaway thanks him for reminding him at a time when his confidence was at its lowest for who he really is, his words that day got him through the match and the rest of his career. The moment was an end of an era.
This job takes a lot of sacrifices and no one sacrificed more than his family. Calaway is proud of his son, Gunner, for the life he has. Chasey and Gracie, he misses them more than they could imagine. Calaway loves them dearly and says they’re always a part of him. As for Kaia Faith, she is blessed with so many gifts. She has a beautiful heart, a love of God, athleticism, and humor. Knowing he’d get an instant witty reply, he asked what she’d like him to tell the world about her. She replied that she doesn’t care what the world thinks of her. Calaway hopes that never changes because she’s perfect just the way she is. The newest member of the team is Kolt aka The Dude. His adopted son is shown.
As for his mom and dad, they were disappointed about the path he took, but they were his biggest fans. When he thinks about them, one story comes to mind. He was in Houston, Texas, and was going to wrestle Sid Vicious. Calaway told him that his family was in the second row and told him to be careful of his mother. Later that night, they were having the match and working a rear chin lock. Vicious asked where his mother was and antagonized her, calling her an “old lady.” His mother climbed over the people and tried to get in the ring to jump on Vicious. His dad and brother tried to restrain her and she wound up with bruises from being restrained. That’s how she got banned from wrestling. Calaway misses his father every day. The crowd cheers for Calaway’s father. His mother has been on him for years about when he was going to get “that damn ring.” Calaway says, “Mom, we did it.” Calaway holds up his fist with the WWE Hall of Fame ring.
Calaway talks about his wife, Michelle McCool. She is the rock and foundation their family is built on. She made him want to be a better man and husband just by being near her. When she first came to WWE, there were two people she didn’t want to meet: Kane and The Undertaker. Kane was big and scary, and he had a scary reputation (thanks to The Godfather). She would come to find out that Kane is probably the nicest man she’s ever met… and she married him after a long, exhausting chase, he finally had to say yes. McCool shakes her head at him. The greatest thing she did for him was to restore his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Calaway remembers the first time she asked him to come to church. Calaway thought the rafters would shake, but she still made him come. She’s an awesome mother. When that phone rings and it’s WWE on the other end, she can lace up the boots and hang with the best women in the world. Calaway thanks her for seeing past his long hair, tattoos, and iffy reputation to be his wife. Calaway loves her with all his heart. She is his soulmate.
Calaway is pleased he got through that one. Now it’s time to talk to Vince McMahon. McMahon wasn’t completely sold on him in the beginning, but he gave him the chance of a lifetime. WCW told him that he’d never draw money and McMahon allowed him a chance to prove them wrong. McMahon changed his entire life. McMahon taught him so much about the business, being an incredible friend, and an important father figure, particularly after his father passed away. Whether it’s a pat on the back, a hug, or a swift kick in the ass, he knew what he needed. From WrestleMania 7 to 38, there have been quite a few kicks. Calaway talks about all the matches McMahon put him in: Hell in a Cell, Inferno, Casket, Buried Alive, and Boneyard. McMahon’s been trying to get rid of him for years. Of all the things McMahon got him to do, he’ll never get him to do a Taker-roonie. They started as boss and employee, but he leaves the stage 32 years later with Vince McMahon as his closest friend. Calaway thanks him for the gift of The Undertaker, but mostly for his friendship.
There is nothing like the WWE Universe. Calaway thanks them for all the years. No one can live your life for you. Calaway dares them to make the three mental moves part of their lives. Perception is reality, respect and loyalty go a long way, and no matter what never be content. When you do, you can find your own identity and be unapologetically you… even if that means spending the next 30 years sitting up in caskets, burying people alive, and taking souls and digging holes. Calaway thanks the fans for taking the journey with him for the last three decades. Now that The Undertaker has entered the WWE Hall of Fame, he will Rest in Peace. Mark Calaway thanks the fans and bows before them.
Calaway goes to leave the ring, but he turns and stares at the Undertaker jackets. Calaway puts on the leather trenchcoat and the hat. For one more moment, The Undertaker is back. Undertaker says, “Never say never!” “The Undertaker” Mark Calaway leaves the ring to his legendary music. The crowd gives him a great ovation, and the WWE Superstars applaud him from the stage. Undertaker looks back and raises his arm before walking off into history.
This was a fitting final act for one of the all-time great performers ever in WWE.
E-Mail – mike@wrestleview.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
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